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Champions Bayer Leverkusen battled past hosts Borussia Dortmund 3-2 with two goals from Patrik Schick on Friday to move within a point of leaders Bayern Munich with a sixth straight league win.
In a frenetic opening the visitors struck three times in the first 19 minutes as they enjoyed a perfect start to the year with the league resuming following a three-week winter break.
Dortmund, who twice cut the deficit, had fielded a largely makeshift team due to flu and injuries in what was their first home loss of the season.
A last-minute backline had to be cobbled together after defenders Waldemar Anton, Emre Can, Ramy Bensebaini and Nico Schlotterbeck were all ruled out along with long-time injured Niklas Süle.
It showed instantly with Leverkusen winning possession after some high pressing and Nathan Tella completing the move to give the visitors the lead after 25 seconds.
Dortmund had no time to regroup with Leverkusen scoring again in the eighth minute and striker Schick sliding in to complete a textbook counter-attack.
Hesham Elsherif/Anadolu via Getty Images
The hosts briefly recovered and pulled a goal back through Jamie Gittens four minutes later but Schick restored Leverkusen's two-goal cushion in the 19th minute with a fine finish at the far post after yet another quick break.
The Czech international, who had also scored four times in the last game of the year against Freiburg on Dec. 21, has now bagged 11 league goals this season.
The hosts hardly had any chances in the second half but were thrown a lifeline when Serhou Guirassy converted a 79th minute penalty.
Leverkusen survived late Dortmund pressure thanks mainly to some superb defending by Edmond Tapsoba and Piero Hincapié, to hold on and move up to 35 points, one behind leaders Bayern, who travel to Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.
Dortmund's first home loss of the campaign kept them anchored in sixth on 25 points.
Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior is considering buying a football club in Portugal's second division, a source has told ESPN.
The Brazil international -- currently in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the Spanish Supercopa -- is thinking about diversifying his business interests with an eye to his future career plans after retiring as a player.
Vinícius started for Madrid in their 3-0 Supercopa semifinal victory over Mallorca on Thursday, a result which will see them face Barcelona in Sunday's final.
The news that the Ballon d'Or runner-up is contemplating buying a club in Portugal was first reported by the radio station Cadena COPE.
Vinícius already has a series of personal sponsorship agreements, as well as a contract with Nike which runs until 2028.
Vinícius and Nike recently reached a new deal after a legal dispute, which sees the Brazilian becoming one of the North American company's most high-profile faces in football.
Vinícius is represented by the agency Roc Nation, and is in frequent contact with elite athletes from other sports, especially the NBA and NFL.
He also promotes the charitable foundation the Vini Jr Institute in Brazil.
The Portuguese second division has 18 clubs, including the reserve teams of Benfica and Porto. One club, Portimonense, already has a Brazilian at the helm, Rodiney Sampaio.
Vinícius would not be the first active footballer to purchase a club.
N'Golo Kanté owns Royal Excelsior Virton in the Belgian third division, and Vini's Real Madrid teammate, Kylian Mbappé, became the majority shareholder of Caen, in the French second division, in July last year.
The United States women's national team's January training camp has been relocated to Florida due to the Los Angeles wildfires, U.S. Soccer said on Friday.
The training camp, and the concurrent Future Camp featuring 24 USWNT prospects, will begin three days later than planned and run between Jan. 17-23 at Inter Miami's Florida Blue Training Center in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
The camps were set to start next Tuesday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
"The safety of our players and staff is always our top priority, and with the fires still burning, many areas in a state of emergency, and the air quality next week an unknown, we made the decision to move the camps," U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker said in a statement.
"Our hearts go out to all those affected in Southern California and our sincere gratitude goes to all the first responders and volunteers helping to navigate this tragedy. We also want to thank Inter Miami for accommodating us on such short notice and enabling us to run two training camps in a world class facility."
The U.S. men's national team is also training at Miami's base in preparation for its match against Venezuela at Chase Stadium on Jan. 18, but the women's team will begin their camp as Mauricio Pochettino's side finish their stint at the facility.
USWNT coach Emma Hayes is using the January camp with the view of evaluating talent ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Brazil and the L.A. Olympics in 2028.
"None of us know what the roster is going to look like in 2027 so I'm desperate to make sure that we've got more players that are in a better position that can help us compete for the highest level," Hayes told reporters on Wednesday.
Transfer rumors, news: Barcelona keen on Rashford deal
Barcelona are lining up a move for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford but face competition from AS Monaco, while Paris Saint-Germain are keen on Aston Villa striker Jhon Durán. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.
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TRENDING RUMORS
- Barcelona are preparing to make an offer for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, reports Sport. Club sporting director Deco has reportedly held talks with the 27-year-old's representatives recently, with the Blaugrana exploring a deal to sign him on loan until the end of the season. It is said that they would need to offload some talent first to help control their financial situation, with players such as Ronald Araújo, Eric García, and Ansu Fati expected to be made available for a possible transfer. Barça could face competition for Rashford from AS Monaco, according to The Telegraph, which reports that the Ligue 1 club are preparing to make a "realistic" offer to secure his signature.
- Paris Saint-Germain are keen on Aston Villa striker Jhon Durán, reports RMC Sport. It is believed that PSG have already contacted the 21-year-old's representatives over a switch to the Parc des Princes, though there could be some difficulty in agreeing on a transfer fee. As per Diario AS, the Premier League club view the Colombian forward as one of the best prospects in Europe, and they are expected to demand an offer worth 100 million before agreeing to part ways with him.
- Negotiations between Borussia Dortmund and Sporting CP are ongoing over a move for Portugal international centre-back Gonçalo Inacio, reports Sky Sports Deutschland's Florian Plettenberg. BVB are reported to be keen on the 23-year-old, but they are hopeful of persuading the Portuguese Primeira Liga side to lower their demands of 35m plus add-ons. Inacio, who has been a standout performer in the UEFA Champions League this season, has previously been linked with Liverpool.
- Talks among the Barcelona hierarchy are ongoing as they ponder a potential move for AC Milan winger Rafael Leão, reports Sport. The 25-year-old is reported to be on the LaLiga club's short list, but there are currently some disagreements with Blaugrana coaches believing that his profile is too similar to Lamine Yamal, which has raised concerns about having two players who contribute less than other options on the defensive side of the game.
- Contract talks between Bayern Munich and the representatives of left-back Alphonso Davies are set to continue until Jan. 16, according to Bild's Christian Falk. It is said that there is still no agreement between both sides over a salary, amid recent reports that Real Madrid have made a proposal to sign him on a deal worth a total of 20m per season. Davies has less than six months remaining on his contract at the Allianz Arena.
Kate Cross in Ashes fitness race after revealing disc bulge issue
"It's been a bit of a frustrating one and I'm the kind of person that's not used to having injuries," Cross told ESPNcricinfo when asked how her recovery was progressing, and whether she was on track to play the first ODI at North Sydney Oval.
"!t's been a bit of a tough period but it's just one of them. I've just got to take it day by day, taking each day as it comes really, and seeing what I can and can't do. But obviously the Ashes is such a huge series, I'm desperate to play a part in it, so just working really hard."
"I had another scan when I got back to the UK and there was a tiny, tiny, tiny little disc bulge in my back and a little bit of fluid in there," Cross said. "I had an epidural over the Christmas period to try and settle it all down. Back injuries can be a little bit unpredictable so I'm just working through it all each day.
"It's always frustrating to have an injury and especially an injury that that stops me doing my job. When it's something that physically keeps you from bowling, then that's what I've found a little bit more difficult.
"I'm still really lucky that we've got the best science and medicine team available and I'm out in Australia working really hard to try and get as fit as possible as quickly as possible. If I get to play some cricket, brilliant. If I don't, then I'm hopefully still able to contribute off the pitch as well and help what is quite a youngish bowling attack."
"I've not spoken to her but it was just so wet," Cross said. "I think it probably goes to show that we shouldn't have started in those conditions, especially so close to an Ashes series, starting on Sunday on the same ground.
"We were really aware that, every time it rained, the pitch for Sunday was getting wet. So I think it was the literal footing underneath her. I don't think it's anything to do with rhythm or her run-up or anything like that. I think it was just the conditions on the day. She's a bit like Mark Wood anyway, isn't she? She sometimes finds herself on the deck, so I'm sure she'll be absolutely fine."
Filer's raw pace surprised Australia at times on her international debut in the 2023 Ashes Test but, in the prevailing conditions, it was England's spinners who did all the damage this week.
Tamim Iqbal announces retirement from international cricket
"I have been away from international cricket for a long time," he wrote on Facebook. "That distance will remain. My chapter in international cricket is over. I have been thinking about this for a long time. Now that a big event like the Champions Trophy is coming up, I do not want to be the focus of anyone's attention, which could lead to the team losing their focus. Of course, I did not want this to happen before, too.
"Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return to the team. There were discussions with the selection committee too. I am grateful to them for still considering me in the team. However, I have listened to my own heart."
"I removed myself from the BCB central contract a long time ago because I did not want to return to international cricket," he wrote. "Many have said that I have left the matter hanging. Why would anyone discuss a cricketer who is no longer in BCB's contracted list? I voluntarily stepped down more than a year ago.
"Even after that, there has been unnecessary discussion. The decision to retire or continue playing is the right of a cricketer or any professional sportsman. I have given myself time. Now I feel that the time has come."
Almost 18 months ago, Tamim announced his retirement at a press conference, breaking down a few times. After Tamim made the announcement, Hasina tracked him down, and requested him to come out of retirement the next day. Tamim obliged but then stepped down from ODI captaincy shortly afterwards. Tamim played two ODIs in September 2023 as the Minhajul Abedin-led national selectors were preparing him for the ODI World Cup.
"What happened before the 2023 World Cup was a big shock for me, as I did not leave the team due to cricketing reasons," Tamim said further in his post. "Even after that, many cricket fans told me that they want to see me back in the national team. I thought about their love.
"I also have a fan at home. My son has never told me this directly but he has repeatedly told his mother that he wants to see his father play in the national jersey again. I am sorry for disappointing the fans. I have told my son, 'The day you grow up, you will understand your father'."
James Anderson in talks to play for Lancashire in 2025 season
However, he showed he had unfinished business when he put himself forward for the IPL auction in December - where he went unsold - and has stayed fit during his role as England's Test bowling coach, with regular stints in the nets plus work with the team's strength and conditioning coaches.
Now, according to The Telegraph, he is ready to commit to at least one final season with Lancashire - the club that first signed him as a teenager almost a quarter of a century ago, and for whom he made his first-class debut in 2002.
He is expected to be available from the start of the 2025 season, including a return to Lord's to face Middlesex in Lancashire's opening match from April 4 to 7, and - assuming he continues his coaching role with England - he could feature in five matches before the Test summer begins with a one-off match against Zimbabwe in May.
Anderson's comeback would also have to be combined with his burgeoning media duties, while Lancashire would also have to pay his wages for the first time in more than a decade, now that he is no longer an ECB centrally contracted player.
Lancashire's first home match is against Northamptonshire at Old Trafford in the second round of the Championship, beginning on April 11.
Tim David smashes Thunder as Hurricanes extend streak
Hobart Hurricanes 165 for 4 (David 68*) beat Sydney Thunder 164 for 6 (Warner 88*) by six wickets
Hurricanes ran down Thunder's 164 for 6 at Ninja Stadium on Friday night with 19 balls to spare, with David finishing unbeaten on 68 from 38 balls.
The 28-year-old played an almost identical hand in Hurricanes' win over Adelaide Strikers in their previous match with an unbeaten 62 from 28 deliveries.
Hurricanes have won five matches in a row to stamp themselves as genuine title contenders with three games remaining before the finals. They have missed the finals in the past two seasons and are one of two teams yet to lift the BBL silverware.
Thunder didn't hit a boundary until the fifth over and grafted to 85 for 3 after 13. But they picked up the pace towards the back end, with Sam Billings contributing 28 from 15 balls.
Warner, who snapped his bat early on, looked more comfortable the longer he went and took the long handle to Ellis in a final over that went for 17 runs.
Young gun Sam Konstas failed to fire for Thunder after a whirlwind two Tests against India and was out for 4 from nine balls, gloving a short ball from Riley Meredith.
Openers Mitchell Owen and Matthew Wade got Hurricanes off to a flying start in the chase with the latter hitting George Garton out of the ground.
Hurricanes lost three wickets to keep Thunder somewhat in the hunt before David and Chris Jordan steered them home.
Henry and Co restrict SL to 290 despite Nissanka, Kusal fifties
Sri Lanka 290 for 8 (Nissanka 66, Kusal 54, Liyanage 53, Henry 4-55, Santner 2-55) vs New Zealand
Henry didn't strike with the new ball, but was the prime destroyer in the middle and late overs. In the 36th over, he had Kamindu, who was done in by the ball straightening off the seam while trying to run a ball to third. At the death, Henry had Chamindu Wickramasinghe and Liyanage caught at deep midwicket, and bowled Wanindu Hasaranga with a yorker. There were plenty of slower balls at a venue in which the batters were constantly trying to target the short boundaries.
It was just after the midddle of the innings, however, when New Zealand's bowlers imposed themselves. After 27 overs, Sri Lanka had been coasting on 155 for 1, though in addition to wicket that had fallen, they'd also lost Nissanka to what appeared to be a hamstring strain - the batter retiring hurt at the end of the 10th over, on 50 off 31. But New Zealand's spinners stemmed the flow of runs, and Santner and Bracewell struck in quick succession. Kusal first top edged a sweep against Santner, then Bracwell had Charith Asalanka caught at long-on by Henry, who went over the boundary briefly, but had thrown the ball in the air while out of bounds, before catching it again upon regaining the field.
Then in the 34th over, Henry came back into the attack and removed Kamindu, who'd made a laboured 46 off 71 balls. In the seven overs leading up to the end of the 34th, New Zealand had taken three wickets and conceded only 28. Nissanka came back at the loss of that wicket, but was hobbling between ends and could only hit to the leg side, such was the seriousness of his injury. He clobbered some boundaries, but Santner kept floating it up wide of off, and eventually he holed out to deep midwicket for 66 off 42 balls.
Liyanage was steady through the course of the innings, but Sri Lanka were desperate to conserve a few wickets at this stage, with little batting to come. They played the period leading up to the death overs conservatively. He was sharp with his running however, and kept Sri Lanka's innings from derailing completely.
Sri Lanka attacked through the last six overs, and scored 53 runs off those 36 balls. Liyanage got to fifty with a four pulled through backward square leg. Henry dismissed him in the last over but conceded a last-ball boundary to Maheesh Theekshana.
LSU's Lacy facing charges related to fatal crash
Louisiana State Police have issued an arrest warrant for former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy, who is accused of causing a crash that killed a 78-year-old man on Dec. 17 and then fleeing the scene without rendering aid or calling authorities.
Louisiana State Police said Friday that Lacy will be charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle.
Police said they have been in contact with Lacy and his attorney to turn himself in.
According to a news release from state police, Lacy was allegedly driving a 2023 Dodge Charger on Louisiana Highway 20 and "recklessly passed multiple vehicles at a high rate of speed by crossing the centerline and entering the northbound lane while in a designated no-passing zone."
"As Lacy was illegally passing the other vehicles, the driver of a northbound pickup truck abruptly braked and swerved to the right to avoid a head-on collision with the approaching Dodge," a Louisiana State Police news release said.
"Traveling behind the pickup was a 2017 Kia Cadenza whose driver swerved left to avoid the oncoming Dodge Charger. As the Kia Cadenza took evasive action to avoid impact with the Dodge, it crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a southbound 2017 Kia Sorento."
Police alleged that Lacy, 24, drove around the crash scene and fled "without stopping to render aid, call emergency services, or report his involvement in the crash."
Herman Hall, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, who was a passenger in the Kia Sorento, later died from injuries suffered in the crash, according to state police. Hall was 78.
The drivers of the Cadenza and Sorento also sustained moderate injuries, according to police.
Lacy's agent, Rocky Arceneaux, said in a statement that his client is "fully cooperating with the authorities."
"We strongly believe that the facts will ultimately demonstrate the truth, but we respect the need for a full and thorough investigation," Arceneaux's statement said.
Lacy played two seasons at Louisiana before transferring to LSU in 2022. This past season, he had 58 catches for 866 yards with nine touchdowns and declared for the NFL draft on Dec. 19, two days after the crash.
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